FEBRUARY 2010
The Power of Love.
It's February, and on February 14th, we 'celebrate' who we love and who loves us back. I've written many missives about what Valentine's Day is and isn't in my novels. Most of the time my character is reflecting on just how hyped, too hyped February 14th is and how it's just a way to have you spend way too much on money trying to show somebody how much you love them.
Truth is, love can not be defined on how big a card is, how sparkly that necklace is, or how many roses he gave you or didn't. Love can not be defined by where he took you to eat, how big that box of candy was, or if he muttered the 'L' word. Love is not defined by things bought in a store, but of things borne from the heart.
As I sit here writing this, I am taking a break from getting ready to celebrate my mom's [drum roll, I about to reveal my age] 94th birthday party. Yes, you read it right. My Mom, God Bless her, will be 94 years old--so close to one hundred she could reach it before we all take the next breath.
Now, for those who are looking at my picture and trying to figure out how my Mom can be 94, I will say that she had me at 40 years old and my birthday is in July, which makes me the grand total of 53.7 years old. I know...I don't look that old. Well, you should see my Mom. She doesn't look her age either. God gave us some serious age-gracefully genes and I thank Him for that!
Like most of my friends, me and my mother have had that serious love/hate relationship. I'd take a bullet for my mother in a heartbeat, but there were times I was so mad at her, I would not speak to her for days. She annoys me by still trying to me a 'mother' [i.e., still trying to control my life] and because I'm half a century past, I feel I don't need her to tell me what to do.
But, the strangest thing happened to me just yesterday. I was in the supermarket at the check-out and there was a older women behind me. A new register opened up and cashier beckoned the lady behind me to come to her register. My cashier looked up and told the other cashier: "Take good care of her...that's my Mom." The way my cashier said it literally brought tears to my eyes, because she said it with such reverence. I heard all the love she'd ever had for her mom in those few simple words.
I realized that at 94, my Mom won't be around forever. But mostly what I realized was that one day I would not be able to say that to anyone. I would not be able to say: "That's my Mom." It was in that moment that all the angst, dismay and anger I had for my mother didn't matter. In that moment I realized just what a blessing she is too me, and how short our time is together.
I have friends who have lost their mother and they had told me often, "Be glad you're mother is still with you", but until yesterday, I sort dismissed their words because I had never known what it would feel like to be without her.
I know now. I understand fully how being able to say those simple words: "That's my Mom", was one of the greatest gifts God could ever give me. I also understand fully that God has kept her here long enough to celebrate a 94th birthday. So, for all of you who still have your mother, no matter how crazy she makes you sometimes, love her. Love her fully, completely and unconditionally. And for those of you, who's mom is no longer here, know that I am walking half-way in your shoes.
I started this month's "What's New" talking about the Power of love. This Valentines Day, remember it's not in what you get or give, but giving and receiving those things that are borne of the heart.
Mom in the 40's Mom in the 50's
Me and Mom 2009
As always, I invite you all to drop me a line at: mjhodge@bellsouth.net. Until next time, may your life be filled with love, light, and understanding. Until next time,
Peace and Blessings,
Margaret